Merseyside Police arrest 16-year-old pitch invader who collided with Andy Robertson in 7-0 thrashing of Man United… as Liverpool launch investigation into ‘unacceptable and dangerous’ act that left Jurgen Klopp furious
- Liverpool have begun a probe to identify and ban a pitch invader on Sunday
- The supporter approached players before slipping and hitting Andy Robertson
- Liverpool thrashed bitter rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday
Liverpool have begun an immediate probe into the pitch invader who banged into Andy Robertson and provoked the ire of manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds thrashed bitter historical rivals Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield on Sunday.
But the evening was slightly soured when a fan ran onto the field after the seventh goal, slipped and fell headlong into left-back Andy Robertson.
Robertson held his ankle in pain after the incident, with Klopp raging at the supporter as he was taken away by stewards, for risking injury to one of his players.
And the Merseyside club has now released a statement saying an investigation is underway to identify and ban the fan – which could lead to a criminal record and lifetime ban if he is found guilty.
Liverpool have launched an investigation into the pitch invader who stormed the Anfield pitch
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp was furious after a pitch-invading fan took out Andrew Robertson
It read: ‘Liverpool FC has begun an immediate investigation to identify and ban the individual pitch runner from Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Anfield.
‘The offender ran onto the pitch and collided with Liverpool players, risking injury, as they celebrated the seventh goal in front of the Main Stand. There is no excuse for this unacceptable and dangerous behaviour.
‘The safety and security of players, colleagues and supporters is paramount. The club will now follow its formal sanctions process and has suspended the alleged offender’s account until the process is complete.
‘If found guilty of the offence of entering the pitch without permission, the offender could face a criminal record and a lifetime ban from Anfield and all Premier League stadiums. These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences.’
Klopp was in high spirits throughout the second half as his side dismantled the Red Devils thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino, but his mood soon turned to fury after the pitch-invading incident.
The supporter, who stormed the Anfield pitch after Firmino netted in the 88th minute, slipped as he approached the players and wiped out Robertson, who fell to the ground and held his ankle, grimacing.
The fan was quickly pounced upon by security and escorted off the pitch past the German, who shouted and gesticulated furiously at the sheepish pitch invader, fearing one of his star defenders was now at risk of an injury.
Klopp had to be held back by the linesman, who was on hand to calm the manager down on the touchline. Fortunately, Robertson was able to continue and see out Liverpool’s triumph against the visitors.
The pitch invader crashed into the Liverpool huddle and wiped out Robertson, who fell down
Robertson held his ankle and appeared to be in pain as security pounced upon the supporter
The Reds fan cut a sheepish figure as Klopp screamed and gesticulated at him on the touchline
The Scot enjoyed an excellent game, setting up Gakpo’s opener shortly before the break and superbly dealing with right winger Antony in defence.
The Dutchman’s strike put Liverpool 1-0 ahead at half time after a seemingly even first 45 minutes at Anfield. But a bullet header from Nunez shortly after half time stunned Manchester United and set the tone for the second half.
Gakpo struck the third past David de Gea moments later and Salah made it four in the 66th minute, blowing Erik ten Hag’s lacklustre side out of the water.
United’s capitulation continued as Nunez and Salah both made braces for themselves, finishing their chances with aplomb before Firmino’s late goal.
Liverpool climbed above Newcastle and within three points of Tottenham, who hold the fourth Champions League spot on 45 points, while United all but waved farewell to any title hopes, as they now lie 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Source: Read Full Article
